Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Transylvanian Adventure

Transylvania by rail: medieval Romanian cities from Munich to Budapest

Illustration of Transylvanian Adventure

Railbookers operates this 13-day independent rail vacation through Germany, Romania, and Hungary, starting in Munich and ending in Budapest. After a night in Munich, travellers board a first-class overnight sleeper train in a double cabin bound for Sibiu, one of Romania's oldest cities, with medieval architecture dating to the Transylvanian Saxons. From there, first-class day trains link Brasov, a town ringed by the Carpathian Mountains, where a private guide leads a tour of Bran Castle and Peles Castle. The route continues to Sighisoara, the walled UNESCO Old Town where Vlad the Impaler was born, then to Cluj Napoca, and finally Budapest, reached by direct high-speed train. Breakfast and hotels are included at every stop. Because the trip is self-guided apart from the Bran Castle day, it suits independent travellers drawn to medieval history and the Dracula legend who want the ease of pre-booked rail and hotels without a group leader.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists multiple hotel options for each city on this route, five in Munich alone; the specific hotel you get depends on which option you choose when booking.
  • Only day 6, the Bran Castle tour, includes a private guide; the rest of the itinerary is self-guided, including all city sightseeing and train transfers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Munich

    Your Journey Begins in Munich

    Arrive in Munich today and check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the evening relaxing and getting ready for tomorrow's train journey.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Onboard train

    Munich to Sibiu

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before boarding the train from Munich to Budapest for the first leg of your journey to Sibiu. During your stopover in Budapest, consider taking the quick trip to the Szechenyi Baths. From Budapest, board the sleeper train for your overnight ride to Sibiu.

  3. Day 3overnight: Sibiu

    Sibiu

    Arrive in Sibiu this morning and make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. One of the most beautiful cities in Romania, Sibiu boasts sprawling city squares, important art collections and museums, and impressive architecture dating back to the Transylvanian Saxons in the Medieval Ages.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Brasov

    Sibiu to Brasov

    After breakfast at your hotel this morning, spend more time exploring Sibiu, including the Brukenthal National Museum. Later in the day, make your way to the train station for the direct journey to Brasov. Enjoy first class accommodations onboard the train.

  5. Day 5overnight: Brasov

    Brasov

    Be charmed by colorful, easygoing Brasov today. The friendly town, ringed by the Carpathian Mountains, features sparkling baroque buildings and churches, pastel-hued streets, and lively cafes. Uncover the medieval sights the city is famous for, from the fortification walls to old bastions.

  6. Day 6overnight: Brasov

    Brasov

    After breakfast this morning, you will be picked up for your private tour of Bran Castle and the surrounding area. Your day also includes entrance to the Fortified Church in Prejmer and Peles Castle, the former summer residence of the Romanian Royal Family.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Sighisoara

    Brasov to Sighisoara

    Board the train this morning and enjoy the first-class journey through the scenic Transylvanian countryside to medieval Sighisoara. Spend the day discovering the well-preserved walled city, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  8. Day 8overnight: Sighisoara

    Sighisoara

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then spend another day falling in love with Sighisoara. Discover the Clock Tower in the old city center and visit the gothic Biserica din Deal, or 'the church on the hill'.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Cluj Napoca

    Sighisoara to Cluj Napoca

    Spend a final morning in Sighisoara before boarding the train for your first-class journey to Cluj Napoca. Start discovering the unofficial capital of the Transylvanian region.

  10. Day 10overnight: Cluj Napoca

    Cluj Napoca

    After breakfast this morning, set out to discover the stunning city, affectionately known just as 'Cluj'. The central square, Piata Unirii, is full of vibrant activity. Discover Gothic St. Michael's Church, as well as the dramatic Matthias Corvinus Statue.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Budapest

    Cluj Napoca to Budapest

    Catch the direct, high speed train through to Budapest today. Gorgeous Budapest is growing in popularity recently, and strolling along the banks of the sparkling Danube past extravagant, historic architecture it isn't hard to see why. Be sure to cross the connecting 19th-century Chain Bridge in the evening.

  12. Day 12overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Spend the whole day exploring the wonders of Budapest. Explore the huge Hungarian art collection in Buda Castle, or discover the famous Hungarian Parliament Building. Later, visit the Great Market Hall.

  13. Day 13rail

    Depart Budapest

    Check out of your hotel this morning and continue with your onward travels. If you would like to extend your journey, or take this journey in reverse, one of our Rail Experts would be happy to help with all the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board a first-class overnight sleeper train in a double cabin from Budapest to Sibiu.
  • Day 6A private guided tour visits Bran Castle and the surrounding area, along with the Fortified Church in Prejmer and Peles Castle, the former summer residence of the Romanian Royal Family.
  • Day 7The train to Sighisoara passes through the scenic Transylvanian countryside en route to the walled medieval town, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
  • Day 11A direct, high-speed train carries travellers from Cluj Napoca to Budapest, ending with an evening walk across the 19th-century Chain Bridge over the Danube.

Included

  • Eurostar and onward first-class rail travel as detailed in the itinerary
  • Sleeper train from Budapest to Sibiu in double cabin
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Munich
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Sibiu
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Brasov
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Sighisoara
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Cluj Napoca
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Budapest
  • Private Tour of Bran Castle and the surrounding area from Brasov

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes a first-class overnight sleeper train from Budapest to Sibiu in a double cabin, plus first-class day trains between Sibiu, Brasov, Sighisoara, Cluj Napoca, and Budapest.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation with a Rail Expert available to help arrange details; a private English-speaking guide is included only for the Bran Castle tour on day 6.
Which cities does the trip visit?
Munich, Sibiu, Brasov, Sighisoara, Cluj Napoca, and Budapest.
What is included at each hotel stop?
Breakfast is included with every hotel night, from 1 night in Munich and Sibiu to 3 nights in Brasov, and 2 nights each in Sighisoara, Cluj Napoca, and Budapest.
What is the starting price?
$1,319 USD, or about $101 per day.

Similar journeys